US: NKorea missile launches violate UN resolutions

WASHINGTON—The United States says Scud missile launches Monday by North Korea are a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions.

State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki (SAH'-kee) said the North launched two such short-range ballistic missiles from its southeast coast Monday morning that landed in the sea.

It is the second reported launch of short-range missiles by North Korea in less than a week, amid ongoing annual military exercises between South Korea and the U.S.

Psaki said the U.S. is closely monitoring North Korean activities and intentions.

She urged North Korea "to refrain from provocative actions that aggravate tensions" and to abide by its commitments under multiple Security Council resolutions regarding its ballistic missile and nuclear programs.

Psaki told reporters that "Scud missile launches are a violation" of the resolutions.